Auburn gets another in-state quarterback for the 2028 class, the start of a local recruiting trend

Auburn football added to its in-state pipeline for the 2028 recruiting cycle when three-star quarterback Sam Sollie announced his commitment to the Tigers. Sollie, a prospect from Gadsden City High School, made the pledge last Saturday and selected Auburn over several Southeastern Conference programs, including Florida, Tennessee, Mississippi State and Alabama.

The commitment matters beyond the immediate quarterback depth chart because it adds another datapoint to a question Auburn fans track closely, how often the program lands high school report-callers from Alabama. Yahoo Sports framed Sollie as the first Auburn pledge for the 2028 cycle and tied his commitment to a longer Auburn trend: the Tigers have signed an in-state quarterback every year since 2000, according to the outlet’s compilation.

Sollie’s pledge also reflects the SEC’s recruiting gravity in-state. Even when a prospect stays close to home, competing with programs that share a recruiting footprint can be difficult, especially at quarterback, where staffs typically weigh accuracy, arm talent, decision-making, and projection to the college level. Auburn’s ability to close, in this instance over multiple league rivals, underscores how recruiting battles often hinge on fit as much as proximity.

For Auburn, the commitment gives the staff an early anchor for its quarterback planning as the 2028 class forms. Early recruiting wins can be especially useful at the position because evaluating quarterbacks at the high school level can take time, and Auburn will likely use the next seasons to confirm development, track new game tape, and build continuity with an incoming class.

From Sollie’s perspective, staying in Alabama means familiar recruiting relationships and an easier logistical path for development and communication with the coaching staff. Still, commitments are not binding until formal signing periods, and the recruiting landscape can shift quickly with coaching changes, offensive scheme adjustments, and quarterback coaching emphasis. That is why Auburn recruiting circles generally treat early commitments as a step toward signing, not the final chapter.

As Auburn continues building toward the 2028 class, the key question is whether this in-state momentum translates into more quarterback recruiting success from Alabama high schools and whether additional regional prospects follow. For now, the Tigers have at least one in-state quarterback commitment on the board, and the pitch to local talent begins with a clear message: Auburn intends to keep quarterback recruiting rooted in its backyard.